The Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, is set to launch India’s first integrated MBBS and BAMS course, with a duration of over five years, including a one-year internship leading to dual degrees. The initiative was announced on May 27, 2025, by the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and AYUSH.
Integrated Medicine and Ayurveda Programme
The Auroville Foundation has proposed the integration of Medicine and Ayurveda into a single programme. Reports indicate that the Phase 1 syllabus for the integrated MBBS-BAMS course has already been prepared. The curriculum follows a competency-based model under the guidance of the National Medical Commission (NMC), ensuring structured learning for both modern medicine and Ayurveda disciplines.
Duration and Structure
- Total Course Duration: More than five years
- Internship: One year included for dual degree completion
- Degree: Dual degree in MBBS and BAMS
- Curriculum: Competency-based, integrating allopathic and Ayurvedic knowledge
Reactions from the Medical Community
The proposal has faced opposition from sections of the allopathic medical community. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) expressed strong concerns, arguing that combining MBBS with BAMS could compromise the purity of each medical discipline.
Current Status and Updates
JIPMER Puducherry has yet to release official details regarding the integrated programme. According to media sources, communications between JIPMER and the Union Health Ministry regarding the proposal remain unavailable publicly.
